With each year that passes, we have come to appreciate the sculptural and fragile beauty of winter, more and more: The charcoal wash of trees silhouetted against the low light in the sky: The filigree, lace like bare branches, the … Continue reading
We are thrilled to have been asked to design a second wonderful Well being garden in a medical centre in Camden under the auspices of social prescribing. The Listening Space will be based at the Caversham Health Centre, NW5. We … Continue reading
With each new year, I come to love and appreciate autumn more and more. In inner cities we do not have a access to to the big open skies, the forests and the hedgerows to usher in the subtle changes … Continue reading
It may now be mid September, but in our heart it is still mid August, and we are in a romantic, languid mood. The reason: three gardens, we are currently designing, which have completely enraptured us. The first, inspired by … Continue reading
What with the Foxgoves (spelling mistake intentional!) now gone to seed, and all the burnished Bremainia, we can’t believe it’s already July and we haven’t written a post for 3 months. But what a fantastic 3 months it has been! … Continue reading
Whilst for many, March is that time in the garden when the popping up of the first Iris reticulatas, daffs and Primula vulgaris, signifies a sure, but slow return to growth and renewal; for us here at OBAB, March has … Continue reading
We are really excited that over the next few weeks we will be laying some lovely wildflower turfs for several of our existing and new clients. So why do we love Wildflower turfs so much? They provide a beautiful looking … Continue reading
Together with Friends of the Earth, we are co-curating a screening of the hard-hitting documentary ‘Toxic Soup’, tonight at The Grafton, NW5. It is a film about the use of toxic pesticides and herbicides, and the politics of pollution. Of … Continue reading
Did you know that 7 million UK front gardens contain concrete and cars rather than plants and greenery? That 3 times as more front gardens are paved over than a decade ago, and hard surfaces in London gardens increase by … Continue reading
We have been having great fun with local schools, libraries and health centre making garlands and wreaths out of gorgeously aromatic bay leaves threaded with ivy and springs of cottoneaster berries, then like all good guerilla gardeners, draping them in … Continue reading
Let’s face it, we all love a secret garden! A narrow passage way opening up into a little hidden areas of garden, be it woodland or filled with the promise of early spring colour. A rustic archway veiled with climbers … Continue reading
We are in hazel heaven. Next weekend we have been invited by a school in North London to curate a day, along with a crowd of enthusiastic volunteers, to build coppiced hazel structures for their woodland area. We are planning … Continue reading
‘I should sugar and preserve my days like fruit.’ Wrote Sylvia Plath in her poem, ‘Last Words,’ a sentiment we totally agree with. Talking fruit, this month, look around at the abundance. The trees are laden with the best apple … Continue reading
Just announced, our Well Beeing Garden, in the Kentish Town Health Centre has won silver award for best community space in Camden. Our Transition Kentish Town Keg, Belsize Beer and Primrose Pint, wins bronze medal for third best community growing … Continue reading
With all the very lovely plants in full flower now, you will be surprised to hear our star plant of the month… No, it’s not the pretty salvia hot lips, the regal monardas, the lovely achiella pommegranate, even verbascums in … Continue reading
They say that having a wildlife garden without a pond, is like having a theatre without a stage. A sentiment we agree with – save the dramatics! There is no summer sight quite as captivating as dragonflies and their aerobatics, … Continue reading
How can it be May, our fave month of the year, already? April flew by in a maze of several our new client garden designs being planted up; herbaceous perennials eagerly re-emerging through the soil, new veg seeds germinating and … Continue reading
Very excited about our stall at the Edible Garden Show this weekend March 20-22nd at Ally Pally, do come and visit us! Just putting the finishing touches on the weaving of our giant willow shoe. Our pruned pear branches have … Continue reading
I am not sure I agree with Victor Hugo’s quote, ‘Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart.’ Don’t get me wrong, I look forward to the imminent coming of spring like all you good folk … Continue reading